The third race of the Pune Meeting 2025 – Special Race Day, held on Sunday, 19th October 2025 at the Royal Western India Turf Club, saw a thrilling sprint over 1200 metres as Moonlight Kiss stole the spotlight in The Oakwood Residence Pune Trophy. The Class IV contest for Indian horses aged five years and over rated 20 to 46 (0 to 19 eligible) produced a strong display from the Narendra Lagad-trained runner, ridden confidently by jockey A. Sandesh. Racing in the silks of Mr Jiyaji Bhosale, Miss Nitya Jiyaji Bhosale, Mr C. D. Katrak, Mr Kishore M. Dingra, Mrs Pragya Devgan & Mr Ritvik Devgan rep. Niche Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr Haren S. Malkani, Mr G. Shewakramani, Mr Narendra Lagad & Mr Rustam Mehta, the winner clocked an impressive 1:08:900, confirming her class among seasoned campaigners.
Breaking smartly from the gates, Moonlight Kiss maintained a handy position in the early strides before A. Sandesh angled her towards the rails to conserve momentum. As the field swung into the home straight, the mare quickened decisively, responding gamely to her rider’s urging to seize control in the final 100 metres. With a powerful turn of foot and unwavering focus, she surged past her rivals, delivering a well-judged victory that showcased both tactical awareness and sprinting prowess.
The second place went to Ariyana Star (J: Antony Raj S., T: Aman Altaf Hussain), who gave chase gallantly but had to settle for the runner-up spot, finishing in 1:09:081. Empower (J: T. S. Jodha, T: Nazzak B. Chenoy) claimed the third position in 1:09:419, staying on resolutely in the closing stages. The margins between the top three underscored the competitiveness of the sprint contest.
With The Oakwood Residence Pune Trophy concluded in style, anticipation now builds for the upcoming Dakshin Maharashtra & Goa Sub-Area Trophy, scheduled for 3:00 PM, as the excitement continues at the Pune Racecourse.
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